Early this morning we met Thai, our guide for the remainder of our time in Cambodia, and then started off on our drive through the countryside to Siem Reap, a city within the boundaries of the ancient city of Angkor. We followed the Mekong River and tributaries through Kampong Cham and on to Kampong Thom. We saw houses along the road, many on very high stilts as floods can last three months during the rainy season. We saw lotus fields, cashew trees, skinny white cows, huge stacks of rice straw, markets and shops, people, and many modes of transportation. We stopped in a village where tarantulas are found, cooked, sold as well as cashews and many fruits and vegetables. We stopped at a place where stonecutters create Buddahs for temples out of a special sandstone. Lunch was in a restaurant along the Tonle Sap.

As we drove through the country, Thai told us about the geography, history, economics of the districts. He shared his personal stories and answered our many questions.

About 30 minutes before arriving in Siem Reap, we stopped to view and walk over a stone bridge created centuries ago - our introduction to the ancient kingdom of Angkor.

After checking in to our hotel, the Angkor Paradise, we attended a buffet dinner and traditional Cambodian dance presentation at the Angkor Mondial Restauant.